RadioShack ones are just as good as anything out there from the testing I did a while back. One beat my V1 for distance of detection. I've had plenty of detectors and jammers over the years and nothing beats just driving smart.

i dont know if you can get all the things you want for $100. The best one is the Valentine 1 but its like $300. I have an older escort and it doesnt even do the things you want

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Valentine 1 is only top depending who you ask. Escort 9500 has gotten many better reviews. People seem to think the V1s stupid arrows are great. The direction the cop is in doesn't matter all that much, if he's in range, he's in range. The 9500 has GPS and allows you to mark where things like automatic-doors are so it doesn't go off every time you drive by the grocery store. It also has vehicle speed related warnings. Much more useful then the V1s stupid arrows.

Valentine 1 is only top depending who you ask. Escort 9500 has gotten many better reviews. People seem to think the V1s stupid arrows are great. The direction the cop is in doesn't matter all that much, if he's in range, he's in range. The 9500 has GPS and allows you to mark where things like automatic-doors are so it doesn't go off every time you drive by the grocery store. It also has vehicle speed related warnings. Much more useful then the V1s stupid arrows.

For basic cop patrols, inner city driving, and interstate driving I have had a lot of luck with my little cheapy Cobra detector. It picks up Ka band from around some corners in my area, which surprised me. The range is effective for highway driving as well, it has spotted patrol cars up ahead before I could spot them on several occasions. VG-2, 360* eye, radar and laser. It does not have any fancy features though; GPS, voice mode, etc.

Valentine 1 is only top depending who you ask. Escort 9500 has gotten many better reviews. People seem to think the V1s stupid arrows are great. The direction the cop is in doesn't matter all that much, if he's in range, he's in range. The 9500 has GPS and allows you to mark where things like automatic-doors are so it doesn't go off every time you drive by the grocery store. It also has vehicle speed related warnings. Much more useful then the V1s stupid arrows.

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The arrows tell you which way to look, and when you've passed the guy. Here in CA they don't set up speed traps, they turn on their radar guns and drive around. They come up from behind and nail you more often than not.
But more importantly, it helps you pick out falses more easily.

There are tests and reviews out there: I'd suggest you read one and get the one that has the most range. Falses can be learned and driven around on a regular commute, so I'd consider it a lesser factor.

If you do your research, the V1 tops all other radar detectors in every test. The Escort comes in close 2nd. People don't think the V1 arrows do much but it makes a whole lot of a difference. V1 has been #1 for a long long time, you know they have to be doing something right.

...and even though the arrows seem like a gimmick, they really do provide valuable information. my wife borrowed my V1 for a few months when her Escort crapped out on her. When I finally asked for it back, she begged me to order a second one because she didn't want one without arrows again.

It's also noteworthy (but not yet mentioned in this thread) that Valentine will upgrade your V1 for you for less than $100 any time a new feature/band/whatever is added to the V1. I'm about to send mine in for an upgrade for the second time in 10 years. The first time I sent it in for an upgrade, they sent me a brand new unit, all new cables, etc. They'll also fix broken units for a minimal charge even if they're out of warranty (~$65, last time I checked). So you'll never have to throw a V1 in the dump because it's obsolete or because it quit working (as was the case with my wife's Escort).

Valentine 1 is only top depending who you ask. Escort 9500 has gotten many better reviews. People seem to think the V1s stupid arrows are great. The direction the cop is in doesn't matter all that much, if he's in range, he's in range. The 9500 has GPS and allows you to mark where things like automatic-doors are so it doesn't go off every time you drive by the grocery store. It also has vehicle speed related warnings. Much more useful then the V1s stupid arrows.

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Let me guess, you've never actually used a V1?

I've got 2 8500s and a V1. Detection wise they are pretty equal. The arrows really are a great help. Unless it's instant on or Laser, when either the 8500 or V1 goes off you should have plenty of time to react and I do find it quite helpful to know where the signal is coming from. The bogey counter is also handy (better on the V1, but at least the 8500 has a mode that lets you know there are multiple radar sources). More than once I've been saved by knowing that the cop with somebody already pulled over is not the only one in the area. The one thing I like about the 8500 over the V1 is the distinct tone and visual display for K and Ka bands. Around here all the cops use Ka, so I don't really care about K signals, but at night it can be hard to differentiate with the V1.